Suction array layouts

{
  "publication_number": "US11279150B2",
  "country": "US",
  "kind": "B2",
  "title": "Suction array layouts",
  "abstract": "Abstract In an example, there is provided a method including: receiving, at a processor, data specifying the shape of a blank to form a folded article; and determining, using the processor, based on the received data, a suction array layout to hold the blank against a media support, wherein the suction array layout conforms to the shape of the blank.",
  "claims": [
    "1. Claims (10)",
    "2. The invention claimed is: An apparatus for a printer comprising:",
    "4. a vacuum platen having multiple suction holes therein and a sealing sheet on the platen over an area that includes all of the suction holes in the platen, the sealing sheet comprising:",
    "5. a first part defining an operative area of the platen to be covered by a pre-fabricated blank for printing, the first part of the sheet having:",
    "6. multiple first holes therein each substantially aligned with a suction hole in the platen such that the sheet covers some but not all of the suction holes in the operative area of the platen;",
    "7. multiple second holes therein each not substantially aligned with a suction hole in the platen; and",
    "8. a passage from each of the second holes to a suction hole in the platen; and",
    "9. a second part defining a non-operative area of the platen, the second part of the sheet covering all of the suction holes in the non-operative area of the platen. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein at least some of the holes in the first part of the sheet comprise suction cups. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sheet comprises a flexible sheet. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the passages from the second holes to suction holes in the platen include a passage from one or more of the second holes to a corresponding one or more of the suction holes in the non-operative area of the platen. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the passages from the second holes to suction holes in the platen include a passage from one or more of the second holes to a corresponding one or more of the suction holes in the operative area of the platen. An article for a printer vacuum platen having suction holes, the article comprising a sheet to extend over an area that includes all of the suction holes in the platen, the sheet comprising:",
    "15. a first part configured to, when the sheet is placed on the platen, define an operative area of the platen to be covered by a pre-fabricated blank for printing, the first part of the sheet having:",
    "16. multiple first holes therein each substantially aligned with a suction hole in the operative area of the platen such that the sheet covers some but not all of the suction holes in the operative area of the platen;",
    "17. multiple second holes therein each not substantially aligned with a suction hole in the platen; and",
    "18. a passage from each of the second holes to a suction hole in the platen; and",
    "19. a second part configured to, when the sheet is placed on the platen, define a non-operative area of the platen and cover all of the suction holes in the non-operative area of the platen. An article as claimed in claim 6, wherein at least some of the holes in the first part of the sheet comprise suction cups. An article as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sheet comprises a flexible sheet. An article as claimed in claim 6, wherein the passages from the second holes to suction holes in the platen include a passage from one or more of the second holes to a corresponding one or more of the suction holes in the non-operative area of the platen. An article as claimed in claim 6, wherein the passages from the second holes to suction holes in the platen include a passage from one or more of the second holes to a corresponding one or more of the suction holes in the operative area of the platen."
  ],
  "description_excerpt": "CHANGE OF NAME (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS).Assignors: HEWLETT-PACKARD INDUSTRIAL PRINTING LTD.ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS).Assignors: HALEVI, EVIATAR, VEIS, ALEXPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTINGPRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPSTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORSTypewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructedTypewriters or selective printing or marking mechanisms characterised by the purpose for which they are constructed for marking on special materialPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTINGPRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPSTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORSDevices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web formUsing suction for maintaining printing material flatPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTINGPRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPSTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS, i.e. MECHANISMS PRINTING OTHERWISE THAN FROM A FORME; CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORSDevices or arrangements of selective printing mechanisms, e.g. ink-jet printers or thermal printers, for supporting or handling copy material in sheet or web formPlatensPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTINGPRINTING; LINING MACHINES; TYPEWRITERS; STAMPSTYPEWRITERS; SELECTIVE PRINTING MECHANISMS , i.e.",
  "cpc": [
    "B41J 11/06",
    "B41J 11/0085",
    "B41J 11/02",
    "B41J 3/407",
    "B65H 11/005",
    "B65H 2404/71",
    "B65H 5/222",
    "B65H 5/224"
  ],
  "publication_date": "2022-03-22",
  "grant_date": "2022-03-22",
  "priority_date": "2017-04-18",
  "family_id": "US-11279150-B2"
}